Why Pep Guardiola Is Banned for 2 Games After Man City Reach FA Cup Sixth Round
- Pep Guardiola has been handed a two-match touchline ban after Manchester City progressed to the sixth round of the FA Cup
- The Spanish manager received the sanction during City’s comeback victory over Newcastle United in the knockout tie
- However, the ban will not apply to the EFL Cup final against Arsenal scheduled for March 22
Pep Guardiola will miss two domestic fixtures after receiving a suspension during Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, March 7.
The City manager was shown a yellow card after confronting fourth official Lewis Smith while defending his players during the tense encounter.
Source: Getty Images
Why Guardiola faces 2-game ban
According to BBC Sport, that booking turned out to be his sixth of the campaign, automatically triggering a two-match touchline ban.
The ban means Guardiola, who made history as the fastest manager to reach 250 Premier League wins, will be absent from the dugout when City face West Ham United in the English top flight on March 14.
He will also sit out the FA Cup quarter-final scheduled for the weekend of April 4 and 5.
However, the punishment will not prevent him from leading his team in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on March 22, since the suspension applies only to league and FA Cup matches.
The sanction arrived on a night that otherwise delivered positive news for the Sky Blues as they progressed to the sixth round of the FA Cup.
Interestingly, the evening did not begin well for the visitors. Harvey Barnes struck first for Newcastle in the eighteenth minute, sending the home crowd into celebration.
City responded with composure. Savinho brought the sides level before Omar Marmoush stepped forward with a decisive performance, scoring twice to seal the comeback.
The result continued City’s dominance over Newcastle this season, marking the fourth meeting between the clubs and the fourth victory for Guardiola’s side.
Yet the turning point for the manager came on the touchline. Guardiola reacted strongly after Kieran Trippier fouled Jeremy Doku, prompting the confrontation that ultimately earned him the caution.
Source: Getty Images
Guardiola reacts to 2-game ban
Speaking after the game, Guardiola reacted with a mixture of frustration and humour.
"I will tell you something: we have all the records in this country, all of them, despite everything," he said, as cited by SportBIBLE.
"We have the record of the manager with the most yellow cards. I want all records, and now I have it, two-game ban now, and I will go on holidays for the next two games."
He also defended his decision to challenge the officials.
"There are things after 10 years I cannot understand. Review the action. Of course I'm going to defend Doku and all my teams."
Watch Guardiola's reaction:
Before serving the suspension, Guardiola will still lead his side during their next European assignment when City travel to face Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on March 11.
Man City warned ahead of UCL showdown
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Vinícius Júnior sent a subtle warning to Manchester City ahead of their Champions League Round of 16 clash.
The Real Madrid winger spoke boldly as his side prepares to host City at the iconic Bernabéu Stadium.
Source: YEN.com.gh
